We were asked to go with the missionaries to visit a investigator. We drove to the house, or the door, and it was within a line of connected house as usual. We rang the bell, and the door opened. Inside the house was amazing. It looked like a very nice house in the USA. And, there was Rocio. We visited with Rocio for about and hour, we bore our testimony about the gifts of being a member, and, the missioneries presented a lesson and talked about a baptism date. Now, Rocio is reading the Book of Mormon and loves it. She has been taught several times by other missionaries. She is almost ready for baptism except for a couple of things. One thing important to her is the actually baptism. Rocio is a very large young lady. She is very concerned that we will not be able to find a white dress to fit her, and, she is very afraid that if a missionary takes her down in the water he will not be able to pull her up. She is a very bright and informed person and she would really gain a lot by joining the church. She is a single un married mom of a baby girl and there is no Dad to be found. We were able to talk to her several more times and she came to church. We did some investigation and we have some sister missionaries that said they could make a dress for her, and, we promised her that there would be at least two elders in the water with her if she agreed to baptism. We are very concerned for Rocio and we have been praying continually that she will decide to be baptized. With the gift of the Holy Ghost she will have peace in her heart and she will be gently guided in her decisions to lead her into a much better and happy life.
BAPTISM TRICKS
We have found that when it comes to baptisms, nothing can stop a missionary from getting the job done. A couple of examples:
Most of the little towns around us all have problems with water and electricity. Either there is no water, or no electricity, or both. Well, a baptism was arranged in a little town called Palo Gordo. In the morning of the baptism, the elders found that there was no water. So, they thought for a solution, and decided to call the Bomberos (firemen). Here, there are not many rules or restrictions, so, here comes the fire truck with there hose and a tank full of water. In this case, the water was going to be cold. At baptism time the young girl and the missionary were freezing but got the job done really fast.
Another case, they needed to have hot water but there was none (the buildings that have fonts also have a hot water heater). So, they borrowed gigantic pans from a member and heated the water on the stove in the kitchen and added the hot water to the very cold water in the font.
Our last example is the problem with keys. Many times the missionaries go the the chapel to fill the font and they can not get in. They call a bunch of people that are usually not home since they have gone to work. We were called by some sister missionaries with this problem. We tried to contact the bishop and others that might have a key but no luck. Now, the glass barrier in front of the font is about 7+ feet tall, and, on the font side, the drop to the floor of the font is about 12 feet. We called the sisters back to tell them we had to find another way, and, they said, no problem, the elders came and one of them climbed over the glass wall. We found out later that this happens all the time.
GRANDMA IN THE WATER
This is one of those stories that maybe to appreciate it "you would have to be there", but, her goes.
We went to a baptism. There were lots of people there. We asked the elders who was being baptized. They took us to this little old lady. This lady has had 4 grandsons on mission and her family are all members. This was an amazing time for the family. Then we found out that the person that was going to baptize her was her young grandson, of about 16 years, a Priest. Well, we took pictures and both Kathy and Gary teared up. It was such a special occasion for all of us to experience. This event reminded Kathy and Gary of their own family: Gary's father became converted at 80 and went to the temple at 81. He loved his membership for the rest of his life. Kathy's uncle got baptized at 80 and he took his wife the the temple. He always said that his years as a member were the happiest in his life.
MARRIED ELDER
We had a very nice elder with us for a while. Handsome and always smiling. Well, he was transferred and then we heard that he was sent home. Later we got the story. He was found smoking and drinking in a bar. And, also they found out that he was married!!
HUMILITY
Now for a serious note: A few weeks ago, Gary and Kathy joined a meeting with the Stake Presidency and the bishops. And, Gary was asked to give a presentation, in Spanish of course, impromptu. Well, it went very well. So, a few days ago Gary and Kathy attended another meeting that Gary had arranged a week before, with another Stake President and bishops. Gary stood up and tried to relate a story in Spanish and it was a total bomb. Luckily, the zone leaders were with us and they took over and we got the instruction done we wanted. Well, Gary was devistated. He felt very embarrassed, put-down, and all the rest that goes along with this kind of incident. It wasn't until in the middle of the night that Gary woke up and understood why he was humbled so harshly. This meeting he had plenty of time to prepare a presentation in Spanish but decided to wing it. It is really hard some times to take instruction, especially with a real life experience to bring the to point home, but, overall, it is worth it. And, if we can see the lesson in the experience we will have learned. And, the lesson will have been heaven sent.
Here is a picture of the Grandma and here Grandson, and, a picture of the Sisters that could not get into the church to fill the font, and, the little girl that was baptized.
No comments:
Post a Comment